25 hp kawi losing torque running rough

[fivestarlawnken]

Hey guys.....Have a 25 hp kawi on a scag..Approx 1650 hours...It has been to my local mechanic twice for engine issues and all have been fixed. The last month or so I'm losing torque on hills and thick grass and when engaging blades..It runs choppy for first 10 mins or so..Also noticing a gray-black exhaust when engaging the blades..What do you think?? Time to rebulid?? Could it be a fuel pump issue?? Electric gremlin?? Just wondering Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[White Gardens]

Check or replace your fuel lines and filter first, then if it's still acting up, might be time for a replace/rebuild.

I just had issues with my 27 Kohler on my mini skid with 400 hours. Had replaced the filter last year, but had issues with running rough, starting hard and shutting down when hot.

Finally took it to the dealer and they replaced the filter and cleaned the fuel line, and since it's running great again. I'm blaming it on the stupid ethanol fuel.......

Did your mechanic do a compression test? If not, have him do that also. That would be my smoking gun for a re-build.

.....

[fivestarlawnken]

Already replaced fuel filter...maybe replace fuel pump??

[sjessen]

I think black smoke means a fuel issue, sounds like too much fuel. Could be carb related. 1650 is not a lot of hours for that engine. If you do a compression test have them run a leak down test as well.

If it runs fine after it warms up there may be something wrong with the choke.

[fivestarlawnken]

thanks guys.........so far............

[Greyhorse]

Choppy like its only running on one cylinder? Mine does that, I think the coil is going bad. Turning the key off and then back on before the engine dies usually corrects it.... At least for now.

[fivestarlawnken]

It's producing enough power not to be on 1 cylinder... But when it's first going it;s a dog!! Takes about 10 min of mowing and it mostly clears up

[Stan MI]

I'm all ears on this one as well. (I'm having similar issues.)

Are you water cooled ?? If so, could it be that when your fan turns on your running choppy when cool issues are most prevalent ????

[MXHalofan]

Doubt it's a fuel pump issue. Usually won't run if thats got problems. I'm thinking ign problem. Reading on these threads regularly, you notice most high hour kaws problems are ign related. Good luck and post up when you figure it out. There are threads with info about how to test the ign components. I have a 25kaw with 1050 hours and have had zero problems so far.